Grendel Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the creature's observation that animals see life without observing it. According to the creature, animals make no distinctions in their lives. What implications does this hold for men? For the creature itself?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of the word "theories" in the book. Grendel refers to theories, the dragon refers theories also. What theories do they propose? How are the dragon and Grendel theories themselves?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Grendel's relationship with his mother when he is young. How does she treat him? How does this affect his adulthood? How does their relationship shift as he grows older?

Essay Topic 4

Discuss what Grendel comes to realize while hanging in the tree. Why is this realization important?

Essay Topic 5

Discuss the name "Shaper" as applied to the hall poet or bard? Why is the title significant? What does the singer shape...